Browsing Washington, D.C.

Congress is blocking the Justice Department from spending any money that interferes with state medical marijuana laws, again. Known as the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, it is a provision included by lawmakers that allows states to continue controlling their own medical cannabis policies and agenda without fear of intervention from the federal government. The bill, which funds the government through the end of September 2017, is expected to pass this week. Here’s the full text of the new medical marijuana provision: None of the funds made available in this Act to the Department of Justice may be …

Different people participate for different reasons. But whatever the reason, the 3rd Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, hosted by Americans for Safe Access, was the place to be for those wanting to gain more knowledge about medical cannabis. The event took place last week in Washington, D.C. at the Loews Madison Hotel. Over five days, doctors, researchers, activists, and patients from around the country convened to discuss the future of medicinal cannabis policy reform and science. The amount of information shared in such a short time was stunning. Day One – History of Progress and Looming Issues The reception …

It has been a busy day at the polls for marijuana reform with several states and even our nation’s capital proposing change to current marijuana laws. Both Washington D.C. and Oregon voted in favor of legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. However, Florida’s Amendment 2 bill did not gain enough support and will not be enacted. Washington D.C. Voters Legalize Recreational Marijuana Washington D.C. voters passed Initiative 71 with a 65% “yes” vote. This initiative makes the recreational use of marijuana legal in the nation’s capital for the first time. Residents will be allowed to posses up to 2 ounces …

Last week, the Department of Health in Washington D.C. decided to expand the number of qualifying conditions in its medical marijuana program under an emergency notice provision. Prior to this announcement, there were four conditions for which doctors could recommend medical marijuana: HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, and conditions characterized by severe muscle spasms. DC Department Of Health Expands Medical Marijuana Program Partially due to the limited number of conditions, the total number of patients who have been able to participate …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mayor Vincent Gray of Washington D.C. signed a decriminalization measure as of late Monday, which would make the nation’s capital added to the list of states making possession of cannabis a civil offense rather than a criminal offense. Although the mayor’s signature is a major victory for supporters of the measure, the law still needs to be approved by the U.S. Congress. Mayor Vincent Gray Approves Cannabis Decriminalization Measure As of late Monday, Mayor Vincent Gray of Washington D.C. signed the legislation that was passed 10-1 by the D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC — As previously reported, a measure to decriminalize cannabis has been making significant progress in the nation’s capitol. In a 10-1 vote Tuesday, the Washington, D.C. City Council passed an initiative to remove criminal penalties for simple possession of cannabis. Proposed in 2013 by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), the initiative calls for fines in the case of simple cannabis possession. This is compared to the District’s current policy, under which possession of any amount of marijuana is a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail …

WASHINGTON, DC — As previously reported, there was a movement to decriminalize cannabis for personal consumption in the District of Columbia. The proposal was passed Tuesday by the City Council. Proposed by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) in 2013, The Simple Possession of Small Quantities of Marijuana Decriminalization Amendment Act of 2013, calls for fines in the case of simple cannabis possession (less than one ounce). Those 18 and over would be subject to a $25 fine for possession – not much different than a parking ticket. Those caught smoking in public would …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As previously reported, there is a movement to decriminalize cannabis for personal consumption in the District of Columbia. The bill is expected to be passed early Wednesday by the Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. Proposed by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), Council Committee Chair, in 2013, the measure calls for fines in the case of simple cannabis possession (less than one ounce). Those 18 and over would simply be subject to $25 fine – not much different than a parking ticket. Mr. Wells …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Voters in the nation’s capital may be afforded the opportunity to legalize cannabis for adult-use in the district. DCMJ, a local advocacy group, is expected to file a ballot initiative before the week comes to a close. The group is headed by Adam Eidinger, who recently told the Washington Times “we’re trying to preserve the consumer’s right to possess it and to use it.” As the name suggests, the Legalization of Home Cultivation and Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use …

D.C. Council Members Signed On In Support Of Decriminalization According to The Washington Post, 10 of 13 Washington D.C. council members signed a bill Thursday to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis within the city limits. The bill was proposed by council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) earlier this year and calls for fines no larger than $100. “Less than one ounce would not be a crime,” Wells explained. “That would no longer mean a drug-arrest record.” “Less than one ounce would not be a crime… That would …